Just like Bernd I have several boxes as well. I was thinking about putting a catalog together here. I have the idea of coding up a generic php plug-in for this forum that would give us a catalog search for a crystal or other items we desire to put into it.

On a side note I've been making flat plastic crystals by hand. The old cassette tape cases make the best flat crystals.

Aqualung, my friend, don't you start away uneasy You poor old sod, you see it's only me

TimetickerMessages: 554Registered: June 2013 Location: Somewhere in the world

Gruen Master

I'll tell you what, I'm in contact with Kurt on a regular basis and I'll ask him if we can use him for a source. He literally has thousands of crystals and is an accomplished repairman. I will still buy/barter/beg/ from the forum, but like Thojil said, we need a good back up.

People you thought were your best friends will stab you in the back to your face!

For those Gruen collectors that don't have the tools or skill to replace their own crystals, or are shiftless and lazy like I am, Murphy's Crystals in Ceres, CA will sell you one and install it for a total of $18 for a "Fancy Bent Glass Crystal". I was only able to quickly find a December 2013 invoice so the $18 may be up to $19 by now.

Faceted crystals are a bit more, but still in the realm of "cheap" in my book. Like dial restoration companies, they have a Job Envelope that you will in with "Gruen", the info from the back of the case, the type of crystal you want (or just tell them the same as what's in it). You send them your bezel in the envelope and in less than 2 weeks it arrives back with a brand new crystal in it. No need to ship the back; they told me after a while to stop sending the whole case as they don't need it.

It's been at least 3 years since I've replaced anything but a round plastic crystal in one of my watches. They get all my work and they haven't let me down yet.

I'll make an entry in the Vendors section if an entry isn't already there for them. They'll also be on GW.Com.